Manager Steve Coppell, who made inquiries about the Hitchin-born player when he was in charge at Brighton last season, is a big fan of the 6ft 3ins striker and sees him as the perfect foil for Nicky Forster.

Reading have had a £250,000 fee plus add-ons reluctantly accepted by the cash-strapped Third Division side. Personal terms and passing a medical are not expected to be a problem and it is hoped Kitson will become a Royals player today.

The 23-year-old joined Cambridge from non-league Arlesey Town in March 2001.

Last season he was voted the U's Player of the Year after finishing top scorer at the Abbey Stadium with 25 goals in all competitions.

U's boss John Taylor said: "The deal is worth £250,000 plus add-ons and is subject to the boy agreeing personal terms with Reading and passing a medical."

Kitson, who has netted 11 goals in 19 appearances this season in all competitions, has just returned to training after missing the last five games with a hamstring injury.

Royals will need to sign Kitson before 12 noon today for him to make his debut at home to Wimbledon on Boxing Day.

New loan signing Lloyd Owusu will go straight into the squad.

Darius Henderson (stomach) and Adie Williams (knee) are fit again, while Graeme Murty will return at right back after recovering from a chest infection. Andy Hughes is okay despite missing training yesterday with tooth problems, while John Mackie hopes to have shrugged off an ankle injury.